Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel talks to the media during testing for the news season in February 2014. Photograph: Sutton Images/Corbis

The Formula One racing season begins in Melbourne on Sunday with many predicting the end of the Red Bull/Sebastien Vettel era of dominance after one of the biggest rules shake-ups the sport has ever seen.

The grand prix at Albert park will be the first with new engine specifications – 2.4 litre V8s replaced by 1.6 litre V6 turbos – along with aerodynamic demands and a new maximum fuel weight of 100kg which threaten to reshape the natural order.

After a four-year reign of Red Bull Racing as constructors champions and Vettel as the sport’s No.1 driver, Mercedes Benz have been the dominant team in pre-season testing, with drivers Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg bullish about their prospects.

Ahead of the first race of the season, Force India pilot Nico Hulkenberg said he was keen to let the cars say it all after a long off-season.

“I think (Mercedes) have a good advantage and the strongest package. It seems that way after testing,” the German said.

“But now all the talking stops, it’s getting serious, everybody can’t hide their pace and their performance now.”

Force India will also compete in Mercedes-powered cars, with Hulkenberg said he was confident he would be “challenging for good points again” amidst the shake-up.

“There’s big rule changes - the biggest Formula One has ever seen. It’s really mixed up at the moment - it’s a huge challenge for everyone involved,” he said.

His team-mate Sergio Perez foreshadowed a tough but rewarding season for Vettel’s Australian teammate Daniel Ricciardo.

“It will be a very big challenge for him, he’s against Sebastien, one of the best drivers out there,” he said.

“But he has a great opportunity. He will do a great job.”

The two Force India drivers were enjoying a lighter moment in their preparation, visiting AFL club Western Bulldogs at their Whitten Oval base.

Ruckman Will Minson and utility Shaun Higgins taught the pair the basics of Australian Rules football, with Minson saying the two outfits shared the key attributes of being teams on the rise.

“We’re looking forward to a good season as are Force India,” he said.

Hulkenberg has been exposed to plenty of AFL as he tries to adjust his body clock ahead on Sunday’s grand prix.

“It’s hard not to see any AFL, especially when we’re jetlagged at night,” Hulkenberg said.

“Zapping through the sports channels and there is AFL everywhere, even the news.”